Kochbiharer Loksanaskriti: Bahumatra Bahuswar (Bengali Version)

Book Details

• Author: Abdur Rahim Gaji
• Publisher: Bangiya Sahitya Samsad
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9789385131301

About the Book

Kochbiharer Loksanaskriti: Bahumatra Bahuswar (Bengali Version) is a meticulously researched study of the diverse folk culture and folk traditions of Cooch Behar. Based on extensive district-level fieldwork, the book presents a valuable model for conducting regional folklore research by combining systematic data collection with rigorous academic analysis. It offers a comprehensive picture of the cultural life of one of North Bengal’s most historically and ethnically diverse regions.

The strength of the book lies in its balanced approach to research. On one hand, the author undertakes detailed field investigations to document local traditions, customs, oral literature, rituals, performances, and community practices. On the other hand, the collected material is carefully organized, interpreted, and analyzed using scientific and interdisciplinary methods, making the work both academically reliable and accessible to readers.

The volume explores a wide range of subjects related to the folk literature and folk culture of Cooch Behar. It examines oral narratives, songs, customs, festivals, beliefs, and other expressions of community life, revealing how these traditions preserve the historical memory, social values, and cultural identity of the people. Through these discussions, the book demonstrates that folk culture is a dynamic and evolving process rather than a static inheritance.

A distinctive feature of this work is its multidimensional methodology. The author studies the subject from both vertical and horizontal perspectives—investigating historical continuity while also examining the interrelationships among different aspects of folk life. This holistic approach enables readers to understand the complexity and richness of Cooch Behar’s cultural heritage in a broader social and historical context.

The book also emphasizes the importance of scientific documentation and preservation of folk traditions. By presenting regional folklore with academic rigor and cultural sensitivity, it contributes significantly to the fields of folklore studies, cultural anthropology, and regional history. It stands as an encouraging example of how systematic field-based research can enrich the understanding of Bengal’s intangible cultural heritage.

An essential resource for students, researchers, folklorists, anthropologists, and readers interested in the folk traditions of North Bengal, Kochbiharer Loksanaskriti: Bahumatra Bahuswar celebrates the diversity and vitality of Cooch Behar’s living cultural heritage while inspiring further research in the field.